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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

The Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers defensive back Jermaine Whitehead chases Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers fans show their nerves late in the game againt the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers fans watch a flyover after the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs the offense in the first half during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) carries the ball late in game against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs off the field during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson (7) reacts as he misses a field goal in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80) can't hold on to a pass on the goal line against triple coverage by the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles out of the pocket against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) rushes quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and was called for roughing the passer on the play against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WIs. Jim Matthews/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) waves to the crowd after a 29-29 tie against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) runs the ball back after an interception in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is pressured in the fourth qaurter by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby reacts after missing a late fourth quarter fieldgoal against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby reacts after missing a late fourth quarter fieldgoal against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Jaire Alexander reacts to a missed field goal by Minnesota Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson in overtime during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Geronimo Allison catches a pass in front 0f Minnesota Vikings' Trae Waynes during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) scores a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) late in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings scored a two point conversion to tie the game. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates scoring a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) late in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings scored a two point conversion to tie the game. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) scores a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter aginst the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates scoring a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter with running back Dalvin Cook (33) against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy leaves the field after a 29-29 tie against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after a tie against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings' Adam Thielen scores a late fourth quarter touchdown during against the defense of Green Bay Packers' Jaire Alexander and Kentrell Brice during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings' Adam Thielen scores a late fourth quarter touchdown during against the Green Bay Packersduring their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game ended in a 29 to 29 tie. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) pulls down a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) dives into the end zone for a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off to running back Jamaal Williams (30) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is flushed out of the pocket in the third quarter againt the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) misses a field goal late in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) reacts after missing a field goal late in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The game went into overtime. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings’ Stefon Diggs hauls in a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter with Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House in pursuit during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings' Stefon Diggs on the recieving end of a catch and run tuchdown inthe fourth quarter against Green Bay Packers' Davon House during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings' Stefon Diggs on the recieving end of a catch and run tuchdown inthe fourth quarter against Green Bay Packers' Davon House during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80) breaks away on a long reception against Minnesota Vikings defensive back Andrew Sendejo (34) and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Jamaal Williams catches a pass in the flats in front of the defense of Minnesota Vikings' Harrison Smith during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Minnesota Vikings' Laquon Treadwell cross the goal line in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Davante Adams crosses the goal line in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80) can't make a catch against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) in the second quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham (80) can't make a catch against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) in the second quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts to a missed field goal attempt by the Minnesota Vikings late in the second quarter during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a touchdown with a Lambeau Leap in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers cornerback Josh Jackson (37) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WIs. Jim Matthews/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback DeShone Kizer (9) warms up on the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WIs. Jim Matthews/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Neighbors Jake Imig and Lily Sota read a book together while helping to park cars on Wildwood Ln. before the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

David "Sir Gunnar" Gunderson of Minneapolis is fired up before the Green Bay Packers play against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles out of the pocket against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis.(Photo: Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

GREEN BAY - Aaron Rodgers wasn’t expected to run Sunday. Stand in the pocket and sling missiles around Lambeau Field, sure. The two-time MVP quarterback can do that on one leg.

Running wasn’t in the game plan.

Rodgers participated in the Green Bay Packers' walk through Saturday just to show he had at least a modicum of mobility, enough to not get crushed. Coach Mike McCarthy didn’t include a single quarterback run in the practice. He wanted to limit the contact Rodgers absorbed as much as possible.

Then the pocket collapsed on a third-and-7 against Minnesota, and instincts took over. Rodgers pumped once before crossing the line of scrimmage, trying to buy an extra yard or two. Then he went for it, tucking and running and scaring every Packers fan until diving under safety Harrison Smith’s tackle.

He crashed at that invisible, yellow line indicating the first-down marker, getting exactly enough yards to extend the drive. It ended with a touchdown, giving the Packers a lead they held until the game’s final minute.

“He kind of showed everyone he’s not crippled when he ran for that first down,” left guard Lane Taylor said. “So that was kind of good for, I think, kind of everyone to see that he’s not hobbling out there on one leg.”

No, Rodgers certainly wasn’t hobbling around on one leg. The Packers couldn’t have hoped for more mobility from their quarterback. Rodgers had said he simply wanted to move around in a small circle, negotiating the pocket.

He did much more than that.

“I was definitely surprised,” McCarthy said, “to see him move the way he did.”

By now, it’s clear Rodgers’ injury isn’t going away anytime soon. A sprained knee needs time and rest to heal, and the regular season affords neither. The Packers will compensate by scaling back their offense. Rodgers took snaps from the shotgun or pistol Sunday. He won’t be under center anytime soon.

Each piece of the game plan will be implemented with Rodgers’ preservation in mind. Just because he could navigate the field Sunday doesn’t mean he’ll stay that way. The 34-year-old quarterback is one hard or awkward hit from seeing his mobility regress.

“I’m taking a lot of risk at my age,” Rodgers said, “every single time I step on the field. But there’s no greater feeling than being out there with those guys. So that kind of trumps everything. As long as I can move in a circle, and (Sunday) I actually moved a little better.”

Even Rodgers was surprised how good his knee felt. By the fourth quarter, he let McCarthy know it was strong enough to call some bootleg passes. Early in the week, the expectation was Rodgers would have to stay inside the pocket.

No matter how limited the Packers must make their playbook, it’s certainly better than not having Rodgers at all. Rodgers’ mobility was most impressive on his third-and-7 scramble, but there were other subtle movements that were every bit as important.

On the same drive as his 7-yard run, Rodgers flushed the pocket left before finding tight end Jimmy Graham for 8 yards. Three plays later, Rodgers initially found nobody open. He dropped back 2 yards deeper, buying time. As left tackle David Bakhtiari guided a rusher wide, Rodgers hopped twice to the left and finally found receiver Davante Adams for 13 yards.

Those are the plays — the movements in a circle — Rodgers must do to be effective. If he can continue to escape the rush, the Packers' offense should be functional.

“Aaron’s going to be Aaron no matter what,” Taylor said. “He can be out there with half a collarbone or one knee or whatnot. He’s going to be mobile, he’s going to move. He’s going to play his game.

“You know he’s laying it on the line. I don’t expect any less. He’s out there, he’s going to compete. He’s a warrior. He’s proven it on multiple occasions that he’s going to give you everything he can."